Gun-Control California Didn’t Stop Whack-O Gunman From Shooting Spree

Santa Monica, California (CNN) — The gunman’s rampage began at a home in this beachfront city, leaving two dead inside. Then he carjacked a woman and fired at a public bus. It all ended when police shot him dead at Santa Monica College as students studied for finals, a mile from the house.

His blood trail, however, left four people dead Friday in Santa Monica, which abuts Los Angeles and is renowned for its liberal openness.

A law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN Saturday that the gunman had suffered mental health issues. A couple of years ago, he was hospitalized for treatment after allegedly talking about harming someone, according to the official.

It’s not clear whether the state government or his family committed him for treatment or whether he committed himself. It’s also unclear under what circumstances he was released. The gunman has yet to be identified by police.

Authorities have found no link to domestic or international terror, the official added.

Also Saturday, one of four victims shot dead was identified as Carlos Navarro Franco, 68, who resided in one of Los Angeles’ west neighborhoods near Santa Monica, authorities said.. He was the driver of an SUV who was gunned down on the campus, police said.

The three other victims also have not yet been identified. The two-year college remained closed Saturday as police combed the crime scene for clues to the rampage, which began shortly before noon at an acquaintance’s house in one of Santa Monica’s breezy neighborhoods.

Dressed in black and toting an assault-style rifle, the man’s apparently random gunfire became the nation’s latest disturbing killing spree, ending with his death in the college library and leaving this tourist beachfront city reeling with shock.

A neighbor’s account

Jerry Cunningham stepped onto her porch when she heard the shots. She saw the gunman firing at a neighboring house, which was also on fire.

She then observed the gunman force at gunpoint a woman to stop her car.

Another car approached. The gunman waved it by, Cunningham said. That driver, also a woman, hesitated for just…